Improving Citizen Experience: Four Smart Services in Urban Living

The smart city leverages advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, livability, and overall quality of life for its residents. These cities use interconnected digital infrastructure, including the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, data analytics, and communication networks, to collect, process, and analyse vast amounts of information in real-time.

But what does this actually mean for the people who live in smart cities? Already, 240 European cities with populations over 100,000 have made progress towards becoming smart cities. According to a recent global study, over a third (36%) are willing to pay more for using smart-city initiatives. A look at how these initiatives affect citizens tells us why.

Smart transport and mobility

One out of five workers in Europe spend more than 90 minutes commuting each day. It’s easy to understand why transport and mobility ranked as the number-one concern in multiple European cities.

Smart cities are harnessing the power of technology to revolutionise transportation and mobility. These cities are deploying a range of IoT and AI solutions to ease commute times, reduce congestion, and give citizens back the time they waste stuck in traffic. Not all can cut commute times, but at the very least, they can reduce the stress of getting to work and home again. Some of these technologies include:

• Intelligent traffic management systems: These systems use real-time data from cameras, sensors, and traffic lights to monitor and manage traffic flow. They can adjust traffic signal timings, implement dynamic lane management, and provide alternative routes to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
• Public transportation apps: Mobile apps offer real-time information on public transportation options, schedules, and delays. They can also provide trip planning, ticket purchasing, and updates on the status of buses, trains, and trams.
• Bike and scooter sharing: Cities are introducing bike- and scooter-sharing programs, allowing residents to rent micro-mobility options for short trips. These services reduce the reliance on cars for short-distance travel.
• Smart parking solutions: IoT-based parking systems help drivers find available parking spots quickly, reducing the time spent searching for parking and alleviating traffic congestion.
• Traffic data analytics: Big data and analytics are used to analyse traffic patterns, identify congestion hotspots, and predict future traffic conditions. This information is used to make data-driven decisions for traffic management and infrastructure planning.
• Connectivity and 5G: High-speed internet and 5G connectivity enable real-time communication between vehicles, traffic signals, and infrastructure. This connectivity supports vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, which enhances road safety and traffic management.
• Smart mobility hubs: These hubs integrate different modes of transportation, such as buses, trams, bikes, and car-sharing services, in one location. They provide seamless transfer options for commuters, reducing travel times and improving the overall commute experience.
• Digital signage and information displays: Electronic signs and displays at transportation hubs and along major routes provide real-time updates on traffic conditions, public transport schedules, and emergency alerts to keep commuters informed.

Clean living: waste management

Efficient waste management helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures public health and safety. Smart cities focus on collecting and disposing of waste promptly, minimising the risk of pests, contamination, and the release of harmful substances. By reducing health hazards and maintaining a hygienic living environment, residents are not only happier, but healthier.

In the global survey already mentioned – comprised mostly of European cities – 56% of residents would be willing to use digital tracking and payment for waste disposal, and just over a third (36%) would be willing to pay for it. Residents (64%) also liked the idea of optimising waste collection routes based on availability of garbage to be collected, saving time and effort, with 37% willing to pay for it. Another feature that 63% would use and 38% would pay for: smart garbage bins to alert municipalities when the bin is nearing capacity and needs to be collected.

IoT, AI, machine learning, and other technologies enable a holistic approach to waste management. They’re innovative strategies that encompass real-time monitoring, route optimisation, automated sorting and categorisation, and the accurate prediction of waste generation trends. IoT technologies have played a pivotal role in establishing a data-driven waste management system, providing actionable insights for streamlined collection and disposal processes.

Machine learning algorithms, in conjunction with high-resolution image processing, have facilitated the automation of waste identification and sorting, bolstering recycling initiatives and propelling us towards a circular economy. Concurrently, the integration of geographic information systems and big-data analytics has led to more precise mapping and tracking of waste generation, pinpointing inefficiencies and potential areas for enhancement.